KCUR (Kansas City's best news source)
banner
kcur.org
KCUR (Kansas City's best news source)
@kcur.org
We're Kansas City’s home for local news and podcasts. 🚎 ☀️ Nonprofit and independent

🌈 Subscribe to our daily newsletter: linktr.ee/kcur
Pinned
Congress has eliminated all federal funding for public media. And now Kansas City’s public broadcasters need YOU. https://loom.ly/pvwG3Dc
KCUR and Classical KC just lost federal funding. Here's what to know and how to help.
Ending federal funding for public media will have an immediate and drastic effect on KCUR and Classical KC. Here are the latest updates, plus what you can do to help.
www.kcur.org
The Kansas City Chiefs are moving across the state line to Kansas, largely thanks to stadium funding coming from STAR (Sales Tax and Revenue) bonds. Introduced in 1999, Kansas has used the bonds to secure large development projects by promising future tax revenue to investors.
Kansas used STAR bonds to lure the Chiefs. How do these tax incentives work?
Kansas lawmakers are offering billions in tax incentives to build a new domed stadium and convince the Chiefs to leave Missouri. University of Kansas associate professor Zachary Mohr joined KCUR's Up To Date to discuss how STAR bonds work, and what risks and benefits come with using them.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 10:00 PM
They've been ghosted by recruiters. There seem to be fewer jobs. They're worried about paying down their students loans.

“We just feel like the door is being closed in front of us."
Recent college graduates face a world with fewer jobs — and loan payments are due soon
As job creation slowed through most of 2025, Midwestern college graduates — and those approaching graduation — describe a competitive, unusual job market that makes them question their self-worth.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 9:00 PM
Winter is the perfect season to dive headfirst into the wide world of tea. Luckily, you can find loose leaf shops and tea houses around Kansas City that will help you develop your taste — from historic downtown Liberty to the middle of Crown Center.
Kansas City's tea shops and tea rooms offer cozy spaces to discover your new favorite brews
Winter is the perfect season to dive headfirst into the wide world of tea. Luckily, you can find loose leaf shops and tea houses around Kansas City that will help you develop your taste — from historic downtown Liberty to the middle of Crown Center.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 8:00 PM
With the city citing unsafe conditions, remaining families now have to scramble for new homes. Via The Beacon.
At these Kansas City apartments, years of neglect led to decrepit buildings and displaced families
Residents describe fires, floods, infestation, and deterioration while living in Olive Park Village apartments controlled by a Cleveland-based housing management company. With the city citing unsafe conditions, remaining families now have to scramble for new homes.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 7:01 PM
During Kansas City Restaurant Week, from Jan. 9-18, 2026, diners can eat at more than 250 participating restaurants offering special menus. Here are some things diners can do to make the best possible experience.
KC Restaurant Week guide: How to get the best meal and be a good customer, too
During Kansas City Restaurant Week, from Jan. 9-18, 2026, diners can eat at more than 250 participating restaurants offering special menus. But while bigger-than-normal crowds are welcome for struggling businesses, there are some things diners can do to make the best possible experience.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 6:01 PM
The service will be provided by fiber, satellite, wireless and cable companies.
Missouri gets over $800 million in federal money to expand broadband access
Gov. Mike Kehoe announced Thursday that the National Telecommunications and Information Administration has approved Missouri's plan to bring high-speed internet to more than 200,000 locations in the state.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 5:01 PM
The Trump administration has frozen multiple federal funding streams for child care programs across the country
Trump administration freezes Missouri's federal funding for child care providers
The federal government told the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education that the funds would be paused until detailed justification was provided for pending child care payments.
www.kcur.org
January 10, 2026 at 4:02 PM
"We're really on a main stage, and we have the tendency to punch above our weight."

5 Questions: Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson
January 10, 2026 at 3:02 PM
The Switzerland native has experience coaching in Europe and the United States, and played defensive midfielder for his country in the World Cup during his playing days.

After Sporting KC finished dead-last in their division, Wicky spoke about his vision for the team in an interview with KCUR.
New Sporting Kansas City head coach Raphael Wicky shares his plans for the team
The Switzerland native has experience coaching in Europe and the United States, and played defensive midfielder for his country in the World Cup during his playing days. He spoke about his vision for Sporting KC in an interview with KCUR's Up To Date.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 9:30 PM
NEW: Kansas City has seem a dramatic spike of flu cases in recent weeks - and the vast majority have come from an unexpected strain of Influenza A that health officials call a "super flu."
Kansas City hit by a new ‘super flu’ variant causing a surge of cases
Approximately 80% of active flu cases are an unexpected strain of Influenza A virus that health officials are calling a super flu. The Kansas City area has seen a dramatic spike in cases in recent weeks.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 8:34 PM
NEW: An attorney for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins admitted to a judge that the original ballot summary for a referendum on Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map is “inherently argumentative” and should be revised. (@missouriindependent.com)
Missouri secretary of state admits he wrote flawed language for anti-redistricting ballot measure
An attorney for Secretary of State Denny Hoskins told a judge that the original ballot summary for a referendum on Missouri's gerrymandered congressional map is “inherently argumentative” and should be revised
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 7:34 PM
What's next for the Kansas City Chiefs after the team’s worst season since 2012? We’ll hear what could be in store for Mahomes, Kelce, and more in this excerpt from SportsBeat KC, a Kansas City sports podcast from The Star and KCUR Studios.
The Chiefs face big questions after a surprisingly bad season
What's next for the Kansas City Chiefs after the team’s worst season since 2012? We’ll hear what could be in store for Mahomes, Kelce, and more in this excerpt from SportsBeat KC, a Kansas City sports podcast from The Star and KCUR Studios.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:30 PM
The development would sit on 1,200 acres of Ameren-owned land outside its Callaway County Nuclear Plant. The 250-megawatt solar plant would be capable of powering approximately 44,000 homes. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
Proposed Ameren Missouri solar project receives support at public hearing
The development would sit on 1,200 acres of Ameren-owned land outside its Callaway County Nuclear Plant. The 250-megawatt solar plant would be capable of powering approximately 44,000 homes.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 6:03 PM
The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently released per-acre rates for 20 crops included in the $11 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program. The dollars aim to help farmers impacted by tariffs, high production costs and low crop prices.
Farmers are in line for billions of bailout money. Will it be enough to offset losses?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture plans to send “bridge” payments to farmers who grow soybeans, cotton and other crops before March. Commodity groups and economists say the aid brings relief to farmers and their lenders, but they need long-term solutions.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:30 PM
Managing alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne allergy to mammalian products like red meat and dairy, can be hard for anyone. But for Missouri farmers who are in close contact with cattle, the allergy can be ruinous and possibly deadly. (@kbianews.bsky.social)
Missouri farmers are getting a red meat allergy from ticks, threatening their livelihoods
Managing alpha-gal syndrome, a tickborne allergy to mammalian products like red meat and dairy, can be hard for anyone. But for Missouri farmers who are in close contact with cattle, the allergy can be ruinous and possibly deadly.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 5:04 PM
Missouri U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II joined Up To Date to discuss an ICE agent's killing of an observer in Minneapolis, the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, and a critical vote in Congress on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Rep. Cleaver calls Trump administration response to ICE shooting 'completely irresponsible'
Missouri U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II joined Up To Date to discuss an ICE agent's killing of an observer in Minneapolis, the Trump administration's intervention in Venezuela, and a critical vote in Congress on Affordable Care Act subsidies.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Starting today, Kansas City diners will get a prime chance to explore the city’s food scene by celebrating the annual Restaurant Week — whether that means returning to tried-and-true favorites, or going out of your comfort zone to try something new.
KC Restaurant Week guide: How to get the best meal and be a good customer, too
During Kansas City Restaurant Week, from Jan. 9-18, 2026, diners can eat at more than 250 participating restaurants offering special menus. But while bigger-than-normal crowds are welcome for struggling businesses, there are some things diners can do to make the best possible experience.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 4:04 PM
Organizers of Kansas City’s Boulevardia announced on Thursday that the annual beer and music festival will not return for another season. The decision brings to a close a 10-year run for the summer festival, which is known for blending live music, local makers and craft beer.
Boulevardia, Kansas City's biggest music festival, is ending after 10 years of shows
The beer and music festival debuted as a two-day event in the West Bottoms, and grew into one of the region’s signature events, moving to the Stockyards District then Crown Center. Organizers say the festival will not return for another season.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:30 PM
A protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation attracted more than 200 people who came out despite the wet, cold evening. Many carried signs with pictures of Renee Good, the former Kansas City woman fatally shot by an ICE agent in Minneapolis earlier this week.
Kansas City protesters call for abolishing ICE and remembering woman killed by agent
A protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation attracted more than 200 people who came out despite the wet, cold evening. Many carried signs with pictures of Renee Good, the former Kansas City woman fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:05 PM
More than 200 people braved a cold rain outside City Hall on Thursday night to call for abolishing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and to denounce the killing of a former Kansas City woman at an ICE agent’s hands.
Kansas City protesters call for abolishing ICE and remembering woman killed by agent
A protest organized by the Party for Socialism and Liberation attracted more than 200 people who came out despite the wet, cold evening. Many carried signs with pictures of Renee Good, the former Kansas City woman fatally shot by a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent in Minneapolis earlier this week.
www.kcur.org
January 9, 2026 at 3:33 AM
Abortion rights advocates are headed to trial next week to argue that Missouri’s regulations on reproductive health care violate the state’s constitution.
Missouri to begin trial over whether abortion restrictions violate state constitution
Abortion rights advocates are headed to trial next week to argue that Missouri’s regulations on reproductive health care violate the state’s constitution. The passage of Amendment 3 in 2024 protects the right to abortion care, but existing regulations and legal challenges have made access limited.
www.kcur.org
January 8, 2026 at 10:30 PM
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley broke from President Trump on a critical resolution curtailing military action against Venezuela. It's a move that drew the wrath of Trump, and stoked speculation that Hawley plans to run for president. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
Missouri Sen. Josh Hawley draws Trump's wrath on Venezuela war powers resolution
The GOP senator joined Democrats and four other Republicans in voting to halt Trump's ability for military action in Venezuela without congressional approval. In contrast, other Missouri Republicans like Sen. Eric Schmitt stood behind Trump's decisions.
www.kcur.org
January 8, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Missouri lawmakers arrived this week in Jefferson City for the start of the 2026 legislative session, which runs until mid-May. Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing to eliminate the state income tax, but a smaller budget will likely force spending cuts.
What's ahead for Missouri in 2026: tax cuts and a tight budget
Missouri lawmakers arrived this week in Jefferson City for the start of the 2026 legislative session, which runs until mid-May. Gov. Mike Kehoe is pushing to eliminate the state income tax, but a smaller budget will likely force spending cuts.
www.kcur.org
January 8, 2026 at 7:01 PM
A team of researchers studied the effects of heat on the survival and reproduction of Missouri treehoppers. "This is more of a story of resilience," says a St. Louis University biology professor. (@stlpublicradio.bsky.social)
A thorny-looking Missouri bug is shaking up what survival looks like as global temperatures rise
A team of researchers studied the effects of heat on the survival and reproduction of Missouri treehoppers. This is more of a story of resilience, says a St. Louis University biology professor.
www.kcur.org
January 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM